Couple Opens First Graze Craze Charcuterie Store in Iowa

Graze Craze®, the charcuterie concept leading the charge in the popularity of graze-style dining, is now open in Iowa! Located at 3816 100th Street in Jesse Plaza in Urbandale, the 1,200-square-foot store is operated by franchise owner Krista McCleish and her husband, Nick McCleish, who are excited to bring the brand’s fresh flavors and aesthetically pleasing food designs to the community.

Graze Craze has rapidly become the premier creator of graze-style charcuterie arrangements, each meticulously handcrafted by a team of expert Grazologists™. These artisans skillfully design stunning food displays that blend a variety of flavors, colors and textures for the ultimate dining experience. Each grazing spread features a collection of high-quality ingredients, including premium meats and cheeses, fresh fruits, crisp veggies, house-made sauces, dips and jams and more.

“We’re excited to be part of this fresh, innovative concept,” said Krista McCleish, who worked for 13 years as a certified recreation therapist in various healthcare settings before pursuing franchising opportunities with Graze Craze. “There is nothing else here that combines quality and convenience quite like Graze Craze, and with the thriving food scene in nearby Des Moines and a proud agricultural heritage, Urbandale is the ideal spot for our charcuterie store.”

Graze Craze boards cater to every lifestyle, dietary preference and palate and can be altered to accommodate clients with food allergies. The menu incorporates a wide range of flavors, from the fan-favorite Gone Grazey board, a balanced mix of cured meats, premium cheeses, crackers, fresh produce, nuts and more, to the Vegegrazian, a medley of fruits and vegetables for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle. For those with a sweet tooth, the store crafts the Sweet & Grazey, a handcrafted delight featuring an abundance of desserts like chocolates and baked goods paired with sweet dips to accent the flavors.

The store also offers a great alternative to the typical bagel-and-donut brunch lineup. The Brunch Board is packed with breakfast meats, fresh fruits, eggs, pastries and more, providing an innovative gourmet twist on any morning routine.

Krista McCleish’s favorite menu item is the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. “The combination of smoky peppers and creamy hummus creates a flavor explosion,” she said. “Whether you’re dipping veggies into it, spreading it on pita bread or enjoying it as a sandwich spread, it’s a winner.”

The artisan-inspired charcuterie offerings at Graze Craze are available in a variety of sizes to suit any occasion, from Char-Cutie-Cups and Picnic Boxes for nibbling to sharing-size boards with enough fresh food to feed a party. The food displays are ideal for elevating work meetings, family gatherings, large events and more, and they also make for memorable corporate and personal gifts that are sure to impress.

"We're excited for Krista and Nick as they bring Graze Craze to the Urbandale community, and our flagship location in Iowa," said Cory Hibbard, president of Graze Craze. "Their passion for giving back to the community is inspiring and we're looking forward to seeing their store thrive as they bring consistent, high-quality, convenient charcuterie to Central Iowa."

The couple plans to utilize Graze Craze to continue giving their time and talents to local charitable causes. Krista McCleish uses her baking skills to create cakes for the annual Cake Gala of The Beacon, which provides housing and programming for Iowa women who have faced various challenges, including homelessness, trauma and abuse. Nick McCleish has served on the Board of Trustees for Children and Families of Iowa for the past four years, volunteers at their Annual Women’s Golf Outing and supports their Tango Gala.

Graze Craze Urbandale is open for pick-up and delivery Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday by appointment. For more information, call 515-304-3538, visit www.grazecraze.com/urbandale-ia and follow along on Facebook at @grazecrazeurbandaleia and Instagram at @grazecraze_urbandale_ia.